God blessed Abraham greatly and he is referred to by name 74 times in the New Testament (NT). (Jesus is named most frequently, Paul 2nd, Peter 3rd, Moses 4th and Abraham 5th; five in Scripture being the number for grace.) This doesn’t mean Abraham was any better than anyone else because the Bible teaches that […]
This blog was inspired by a sermon I recently heard by Josh Martin at Resonate Church. In this political climate, it’s important for us to look into the Bible to be reminded of God’s perspective. If we ignore the Bible, we are prone to listen to another voice that shouts for our allegiance, and the […]
“Get ready for bed.” “I don’t want to.” “Eat your vegetables.” “I don’t want to.” “Brush your teeth.” “I don’t want to.” “Come in from play and wash your hands.” “I don’t want to.” “Put that candy back.” “I don’t want to.” “Get dressed for church.” “I don’t want to.” Every parent has been frustrated […]
Kevin Kinard had been making his annual visit to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park for over twenty years, when he discovered a 9.07 carat diamond. This past Labor Day, Kevin picked up a crystal, thinking it might be glass. To his amazement, it turned out to be the site’s second-largest diamond found in its […]
Since many of us spend so much time and energy in our work, it’s good to reflect on vocations (and avocations, that is, voluntary work)—since we recently celebrated Labor Day. This pandemic has caused many to not be able to work. One friend told me, “Being told to stop working by the government has a corrosive effect, […]
Maybe there’s a reason we are told not to talk about politics or religion. It seems that those two topics can result in more heat than light. The church is not immune to division and finger-pointing, especially when it comes to views on political issues. The Apostle Paul addressed a church that was polarizing over […]
Our last study brought us to Romans 4:12. Today, we step back and consider the Greek word “logizomai” (G3049) in the fourth chapter of Romans and what it teaches. It occurs 41 times in the New Testament (NT). The King James (KJV) translates it with 13 different English words: 9 times as “think,” 8 “impute,” […]
“We’ve never seen such devastation.” “We just got out with our clothes on our backs.” “We’ve been able to go back to our home. All that’s left are ashes.” You’ve probably heard these and other expressions of grief and shock. With 10% of Oregon’s population in evacuation zones, it’s likely that you know someone […]
Some people love to fight. I never was one of them. I enjoyed wrestling and sparring during Karate class, but I never felt like I could really get hurt. Today, my biggest fight is against gravity just trying to get up from the couch. Sometimes gravity pulls me back, but usually I win. There is […]
“Do not be afraid little flock, it is the father‘s good pleasure to give you the kingdom “ (Luke 12:32) Today Jesus wants to tell those of us who believe in him to not be afraid. The devil is the master of fear and he uses many people and entities to do his work of […]
